HUDSON COUNTY -- After a judge knocked one of State Sen. Brian Stack's two assembly candidates off the ballot on Friday, Stack's spokesman said Monday that former candidate Carmelo Garcia would appeal the ruling.

Stack is running for re-election to the state legislator in the 33rd District, including Hoboken, Union City, and several other towns. Running with him is Raj Mukherji, and for the other open Assembly seat, Hoboken Housing Authority Executive Director Carmelo Garcia.

Well, until Friday. In response to a lawsuit filed by five Hoboken residents, a judge said that since the HHA is federally funded, Garcia can't run. He also ruled that Stack can't replace him on the ballot.

Stack could launch a campaign for a write-in candidate, but it would be an uphill battle.

On Monday, Stack's spokesman, Mark Albiez, said simply that Garcia will appeal and that they were "confident" in the appeals process.

Garcia planned to release a statement later.

The change benefits Hoboken Councilman Ravi Bhalla, who is also running for Assembly, but not on a slate. It is a rare loss for Stack, one of the biggest Democratic power brokers in the county.

His townspeople may vote for him because he gets them help with their bills but is he representing the rest of us with these political candidates ? Is he not interested in the poor of Hoboken's projects who need a full time director.

Stack has two jobs but his jobs are both part time. Carmelo's job is full time.

And by the way Brian you can redeem yourself with a decent write in candidate. (We know that Ravi Bhalla's firm has given money to your PAC so if you throw your support behind him it will just look political.)

Senator Stack maybe at this point you should rethink your position on this matter? clearly we as taxpayers are not to happy with the idea of someone getting two salaries especially by someone who seems to have their hands full of problems at HHA? This was simply a dumb choice on your part and you have lost our vote.